Student Affairs

The mission of Georgia Piedmont Technical College Student Affairs is to satisfy student needs for access, student growth and development, and transition to employment and lifelong learning opportunities; to satisfy institutional needs for enrollment, student records, effective management, and staff development; and to satisfy community needs for career information and education.

Academic Advisement

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is committed to supporting student success through a comprehensive academic advising system. Advising is available to all GPTC students and is designed to guide them in academic planning, personal development, and career readiness.

Objectives of Academic Advising:

• Provide guidance on career and educational opportunities, as well as personal and social development
• Assist students in exploring life and career goals, and selecting appropriate educational programs
• Support course selection and academic scheduling aligned with students' goals
• Interpret and discuss assessments related to academic placement, aptitude, achievement, and personal interests
• Identify and help remove barriers to academic success
• Offer advising that promotes informed decision-making and personal growth
• Coordinate specialized support services for target populations including, but not limited to, at-risk students, international students, and students with disabilities
• Evaluate and improve advising and other student services to ensure effectiveness

At the core of GPTC’s advising philosophy is a developmental approach—one that fosters student success and retention by helping students make intentional, informed decisions about their education and future. Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor each semester for academic planning. However, the ultimate responsibility for meeting graduation requirements rests with the student.

Learning Support

The Learning Support Program serves any prospective student whose basic academic skills are below the minimum levels recommended to enter a credit program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Each technical education program has established a description of entry-level reading, language, and math competencies. The major purpose of Learning Support is to provide learning experiences in reading, language, and math that will aid the student in mastering the skills needed for admission into a selected program of study. Assignment to Learning Support is based on the results of standardized tests and the competencies needed for the prospective program of study. After testing is completed, the student shall be advised to complete the appropriate courses.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College implemented a redesigned Learning Support curriculum in Fall 2011. Students who attended the college prior to that term and who are returning to the college will be required to retake the placement exam. Students transferring into Georgia Piedmont Technical College who have not completed a transferable college-level English or Math will also be required to take the placement exam. Tutoring assistance with the exams is available to Learning Support students in the Student Success & Learning Support Center.

Student Success & Learning Support Center

The mission of the Student Success & Learning Support Center is to improve student retention by preventing academic problems from interfering with attainment of educational goals.

Open to all registered Georgia Piedmont Technical College students, the Student Success & Learning Support Center offers free academic tutoring services in math, reading, and English, based on learning styles and individual student needs. Availability of tutors for specific subjects varies from one semester to the next. The Center is also equipped with computerized tutorials which are designed to help students improve skills in math, reading, and writing. These tutorials encourage each student to become actively involved in developing thinking skills necessary for effective problem-solving.

The Student Success & Learning Support Center additionally provides remediation and language assistance to credit students identified as ESL. Tutors are available to aid students by creating individualized instructional plans that include language-specific challenges that support in building grammar, reading, vocabulary, and listening skills.

Throughout the semester, class orientation sessions are conducted with a focus on a variety of topics such as study and test taking skills, stress and time management, building self-esteem, and career decision-making. ACCUPLACER handouts are available to help students prepare for the placement test. Student Success & Learning Support Center locations:

For more information, call 404-297-9522, Ext. 1287.

Career Services

Career Services at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) provides a full range of support to help students and community members plan for and secure meaningful careers. From initial career exploration to job placement, our services are designed to guide individuals at every stage of their academic and professional journey.

Career Planning and Advising

Prospective students can receive assistance from the Admissions staff in selecting an appropriate course of study. Common topics discussed include academic program requirements, job market outlook, work environments, salary expectations, class scheduling, and financial aid.

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions:

• DeKalb Campus: (404) 297-9522, ext. 1602
• Newton Campus: (404) 297-9522, ext. 3100
• Email: admissions@gptc.edu

Career guidance is also offered through the Career Services Office. Individuals can access computerized assessment tools that help identify interests, aptitudes, skills, and work-related values. Career Services staff are available to interpret results and assist students or prospective students in aligning their strengths with suitable academic programs and career paths.
For personalized assistance, contact Career Services:

• DeKalb Campus: (404) 297-9522, ext. 1183

Job Search Assistance and Employer Connections

Career Services staff at the One Stop Advisement Center assist students and community members in connecting with employment opportunities. Services include:

• Full- and part-time job listings from local and regional employers
• Online job search resources available on campus and remotely (with authorization)
• Career seminars, workshops, and one-on-one coaching in areas such as:
  • Resume writing
  • Interview preparation
  • Professional image and branding
  • Networking and job search strategies
  • Salary negotiation
  • Career advancement and job retention

Employer Engagement

GPTC partners closely with employers to meet workforce needs. Businesses are encouraged to engage with students through on-campus recruiting, company presentations, and career-readiness workshops. These collaborations help ensure students are career-ready upon graduation.

Thanks to these comprehensive services and strong partnerships, nearly 90% of GPTC graduates secure employment following graduation.

Student Centers

The Student Center and the Student Vending Areas are to be used by Georgia Piedmont Technical College students, faculty, and staff for purposes of eating and socializing, and for events sponsored by Georgia Piedmont Technical College. These areas are not to be used for any gaming purposes such as card-playing, dominoes, or any other recreational activities, or to harbor activities or behaviors that infringe on the rights of other users, including excessively loud conversations and discussions, or profane and abusive language.

Health Services

As a non-residential institution, Georgia Piedmont Technical College expects that students will normally secure medical services through a private physician. In case of a serious accident or illness, Georgia Piedmont Technical College will refer a student to the nearest hospital for emergency care. It is understood that the student or parent will assume full responsibility for the cost of such emergency care at the hospital, including ambulance charges if in the opinion of the College authorities such service is necessary. In the event of an emergency, the first employees on the scene should notify Security. Emergency care, if needed, will be secured and notification made to the Academic Dean.